The Welsh Government will suspend school categorisation for the 2020/21 academic year, as part of its measures to reduce pressure on schools during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Every year, primary and secondary schools are measured against a range of factors and placed into one of four colour-coded categories.

The system helps identify schools that need the most support and guidance, those doing well but could be doing better and those that are highly effective and can act as support to other schools.

The updated categories are published every January on the My Local School website.

A review of guidance on school improvement is to be undertaken. The Welsh Government has also been working with the school inspectorate, Estyn, and a number of schools to pilot a National Evaluation and Improvement Resource, as well as a multi-agency pilot to support a number of schools that are causing concern. Preparations are being made for when that work can continue.

The Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, said:“I recognise the difficult circumstances schools are currently operating in. My priority is to allow staff to focus their energies on the needs of pupils during these extraordinary and challenging times.

“I am committed to help reduce the administrative workload on education settings, where it is appropriate and safe to do so. I have temporarily relaxed requirements to undertake national tests and assessments and also worked with Estyn to pause its inspection arrangements.

 “These steps will help give schools the space to continue the fantastic work they are doing in supporting their learners.”

Welcoming the Education Minister’s decision to suspend the National School’s categorisation system, David Evans, Wales Secretary for the National Education Union Cymru said: 

 NEU Cymru members will be pleased to hear that schools’ categorisation is suspended for this year. That will be welcome news, as schools will want to ensure that they focus on the wellbeing of children and staff alike, as they begin to make preparations ahead of September. 

 

“It is important that safety is a focus ahead of September. Of course, we want everyone to be back to school as soon as possible. But it will not be possible to open schools more widely without taking on extra staff – from those who have left the profession and those who are new to teaching. This should help ensure that those who are vulnerable, or shielding are able to support learning from home. Using public buildings could also help keep people safe and ensure better social distancing.”